Sun exposure is the most modifiable risk factor in preventing skin cancer. Sunburn is a measure of unprotected sun exposure, however no national data exist on sunburns. To document the national and statewide prevalence and correlates of sunburn in the past year, we analyzed data from a population-based telephone survey conducted in all 50 states through the 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (response rate of 55.2). Of 156,354 adults aged 18 and older, 31.7% (95% confidence interval 31.3-32.1) reported a sunburn in the past year. A recent sunburn was highest among white non-Hispanic males (43.7%) followed by white non-Hispanic females (32.2%) and was lowest among black non-Hispanic males and females (5.5%). Statewide period prevalence of sunburn among whites was highest (> 45%) in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Utah, and Wyoming, but lowest (< 27%) in Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee, New York, and Florida. Using logistic regression, the strongest predictors of sunburn among the white population were younger age, non Hispanic ethnicity, and male gender. Other variables emerging as significant predictors included having higher education, living in an area where the annual solar radiation is low, having 2 or more children, not having seen a doctor in the past year, and binge drinking. Being sunburned in the past year is a common occurrence among white persons. An assessment of the prevalence of sunburn, associated factors, and future monitoring will help to indicate effectiveness of protection behaviors and to indicate areas to be addressed in nationwide and regional skin cancer prevention efforts.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Behavioral Research, Cancer Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.